Monthly Archive

Here it is in all it’s prettiness! I am so thrilled with the finished product! I purchased some 6″ Michael Miller squares from Ebay a while ago and even though they didn’t quite meet the 5.5″ X 6.5″ that the project called for I used them anyway. I made adjustments in all the subsequent measurements to accomodate for the bit of a size difference. Truth is, I used the sewed together squares as a template to cut all the other pieces.

I made some other changes, too. I used less than the yard per cord handle. I used about 24″ per handle. I thought that the 36″ made them too long. I also added an interior pocket to the purse. I lined it with a brown paisley fabric that is on the back of this postcard. You can see a bit of the paisley at the top of the folds and it is just the right touch.

I spent about 2 hours making it last night. It was really easy to make. The hardest part was the corners at the bottom of the sides. I reinforced them by sewing back and forth on the stitches a few times.

I will definitely make more of this one! And since it is so pretty, I must show it again! Thanks Crafts ‘N Things for my new purse!

Here are my swap-bot Just Stuff items all wrapped and ready for the mailing box. I had 2 partners for this one. One in CA and one in TN. The sad thing is that they are not the people that send back to me. I like it better when there is reciprosity.

I received a package from one of my partners who lives in England yesterday. I got a couple of gel pens, some postcards from her area in England, some stationery and buttons and ribbon for crafting. Cute package and it FLEW from England to me. The other person has e-mailed me it is on the way!

Thus far I have not been thrilled with my Swap-bot experience. In my first swap I got back the fat quarter from my partner. In my second, I sent 3 fabric postcards only to receive one back. The other 2 partners flaked on the swap. I know that is the risk you run, but one of the flakees was the swap coordinator! It also appears this is not the first time she has done it either. Wonder why they would let her coordinate a swap then??

I did sign up for one more which is a handmade Halloween card swap. You have 2 partners and you send them 2 cards each. I enjoy making the cards lately, but have to get working on my bag I mentioned here that I was to make. I have the squares all ready and will sew them together this evening.

I got an e-mail from Vicki that she received my Self Portrait postcard and that it was a “really clever self portrait.” She makes some pehnomenal cards and from her that is quite the compliment!

On the job front, not much to report. I briefly spoke with a recruiter from a company in the city and I hope it proceeds further. Time will tell. I keep hopeful that it will all work out okay and I will end up where I am supposed to be. I believe everything happens for a reason, but most of the time I think that reason must be a twisted one (LOL)! God does have a sense of humor, right?

Enjoy your day and the LONG weekend! Travel safely and if you are beaching it…beach it for me!

This is the postcard I am sending to Vicki for the final card swap of my class at Quilting Adventures. The rest of the class opted not to create a final postcard since we were not getting together again. Vicki and I made one final swap. Vicki was working on a card for another swap entited Self Portrait so I agreed to follow that theme, too.

I decided upon a glass and to make it half full. I try to always think in terms of the half full. As I was cutting the fabric, I thought also that this was a glass of pink lemonade one of my favorite drinks.

I saw this idea in Adorn magazine and thought I would give it a try. The one in Adorn uses scallops on the edges and fancier stitching. I am still navagating on the fancy stitching.

Pretty good for a first try, huh? It is relatively short (28″) and would be great to add some color to a solid turtleneck you are wearing. I have several bagfuls of the felted sweaters and lots of time on my hands, so try… try… again!

I took this picture while in Williamsburg this past spring. I did some research on the book in the window and these are Washington’s rules on civility:

The Rules:

1st

Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present. (Treat everyone with respect.)

2nd

When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usually Discovered.

3rd

Show Nothing to your Friend that may affright him. (Be considerate of others. Do not embarrass others.)

4th

In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.

5th

If You Cough, Sneeze, Sigh, or Yawn, do it not Loud but Privately; and Speak not in your Yawning, but put Your handkerchief or Hand before your face and turn aside.

6th

Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.

7th

Put not off your Cloths in the presence of Others, nor go out your Chamber half Dressed.

8th

At Play and at Fire its Good manners to Give Place to the last Commer, and affect not to Speak Louder than Ordinary.

9th

Spit not in the Fire, nor Stoop low before it neither Put your Hands into the Flames to warm them, nor Set your Feet upon the Fire especially if there be meat before it.

10th

When you Sit down, Keep your Feet firm and Even, without putting one on the other or Crossing them.

11th

Shift not yourself in the Sight of others nor Gnaw your nails.

12th

Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs roll not the Eyes lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by approaching too near him when you Speak.

13th

Kill no Vermin as Fleas, lice ticks &c in the Sight of Others, if you See any filth or thick Spittle put your foot Dexterously upon it if it be upon the Cloths of your Companions, Put it off privately, and if it be upon your own Cloths return Thanks to him who puts it off.

14th

Turn not your Back to others especially in Speaking, Jog not the Table or Desk on which Another reads or writes, lean not upon any one.

15th

Keep your Nails clean and Short, also your Hands and Teeth Clean yet without Showing any great Concern for them.

16th

Do not Puff up the Cheeks, Loll not out the tongue rub the Hands, or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the Lips too open or too Close.

17th

Be no Flatterer, neither Play with any that delights not to be Play’d Withal.

18th

Read no Letters, Books, or Papers in Company but when there is a Necessity for the doing of it you must ask leave: come not near the Books or Writings of Another so as to read them unless desired or give your opinion of them unasked also look not nigh when another is writing a Letter.

The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon.

21st

Reproach none for the Infirmities of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof.

22nd

Show not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

23rd

When you see a Crime punished, you may be inwardly Pleased; but always show Pity to the Suffering Offender.

24th

Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Public Spectacle. (Don’t draw attention to yourself.)

25th

Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremony are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.

26th

In Pulling off your Hat to Persons of Distinction, as Noblemen, Justices, Churchmen &c make a Reverence, bowing more or less according to the Custom of the Better Bred, and Quality of the Person. Amongst your equals expect not always that they Should begin with you first, but to Pull off the Hat when there is no need is Affectation, in the Manner of Saluting and resaluting in words keep to the most usual Custom.

27th

Tis ill manners to bid one more eminent than yourself be covered as well as not to do it to whom it’s due Likewise he that makes too much haste to Put on his hat does not well, yet he ought to Put it on at the first, or at most the Second time of being asked; now what is herein Spoken, of Qualification in behavior in Saluting, ought also to be observed in taking of Place, and Sitting down for ceremonies without Bounds is troublesome.

28th

If any one come to Speak to you while you are are Sitting Stand up though he be your Inferior, and when you Present Seats let it be to every one according to his Degree.

29th

When you meet with one of Greater Quality than yourself, Stop, and retire especially if it be at a Door or any Straight place to give way for him to Pass.

30th

In walking the highest Place in most Countries Seems to be on the right hand therefore Place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to Honor: but if three walk together the middest Place is the most Honorable the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together.

31st

If any one far Surpasses others, either in age, Estate, or Merit yet would give Place to a meaner than himself in his own lodging or elsewhere the one ought not to except it, So he on the other part should not use much earnestness nor offer it above once or twice.

32nd

To one that is your equal, or not much inferior you are to give the chief Place in your Lodging and he to who ‘is offered ought at the first to refuse it but at the Second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness.

33rd

They that are in Dignity or in office have in all places Precedency but whilst they are Young they ought to respect those that are their equals in Birth or other Qualities, though they have no Public charge.

34th

It is good Manners to prefer them to whom we Speak before ourselves especially if they be above us with whom in no Sort we ought to begin.

35th

Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive. (When you speak, be concise.)

36th

Artificers & Persons of low Degree ought not to use many ceremonies to Lords, or Others of high Degree but Respect and highly Honor them, and those of high Degree ought to treat them with affability & Courtesy, without Arrogance.

37th

In speaking to men of Quality do not lean nor Look them full in the Face, nor approach too near them at lest Keep a full Pace from them.

38th

In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physician if you be not Knowing therein.

39th

In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place.

40th

Strive not with your Superiors in argument, but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty. (Do not argue with your superior. Submit your ideas with humility.)

41st

Undertake not to Teach your equal in the art himself Professes; it Savours of arrogance.

42nd

Let thy ceremonies in Courtesy be proper to the Dignity of his place with whom thou converses for it is absurd to act the same with a Clown and a Prince.

43rd

Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery.

44th

When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it. (When a person does their best and fails, do not criticize him.)

45th

Being to advise or reprehend any one, consider whether it ought to be in public or in Private; presently, or at Some other time in what terms to do it & in reproving Show no Sign of Cholar but do it with all Sweetness and Mildness. (When you must give advice or criticism, consider the timing, whether it should be given in public or private, the manner and above all be gentle.)

46th

Take all Admonitions thankfully in what Time or Place Soever given but afterwards not being culpable take a Time & Place convenient to let him him know it that gave them. (If you are corrected, take it without argument. If you were wrongly judged, correct it later.)

47th

Mock not nor Jest at any thing of Importance break [n]o Jest that are Sharp Biting and if you Deliver any thing witty and Pleasant abstain from Laughing thereat yourself. (Do not make fun of anything important to others.)

48th

Wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than Precepts. (If you criticize someone else of something, make sure you are not guilty of it yourself. Actions speak louder than words.)

49th

Use no Reproachful Language against any one neither Curse nor Revile.

50th

Be not hasty to believe flying Reports to the Disparagement of any. (Do not be quick to believe bad reports about others.)

51st

Wear not your Cloths, foul, ripped or Dusty but See they be Brushed once every day at least and take heed that you approach not to any Uncleaness.

52nd

In your Apparel be Modest and endeavor to accommodate Nature, rather than to procure Admiration keep to the Fashion of your equals Such as are Civil and orderly with respect to Times and Places.

53rd

Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open go not Shaking your Arms kick not the earth with R feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.

54th

Play not the Peacock, looking every where about you, to See if you be well Decked, if your Shoes fit well if your Stockings sit neatly, and Cloths handsomely.

55th

Eat not in the Streets, nor in the House, out of Season.

56th

Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for ‘is better to be alone than in bad Company. (Associate with good people. It is better to be alone than in bad company)

57th

In walking up and Down in a House, only with One in Company if he be Greater than yourself, at the first give him the Right hand and Stop not till he does and be not the first that turns, and when you do turn let it be with your face towards him, if he be a Man of Great Quality, walk not with him Cheek by Joul but Somewhat behind him; but yet in Such a Manner that he may easily Speak to you.

58th

Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy, for ‘is a Sign of a Tractable and Commendable Nature: And in all Causes of Passion admit Reason to Govern. (Always allow reason to govern your actions.)

59th

Never express anything unbecoming, nor Act against the Rules Moral before your inferiors. (Never break the rules in front of your subordinates.)

60th

Be not immodest in urging your Friends to Discover a Secret. (Some things are better kept secret.)

61st

Utter not base and frivolous things amongst grave and Learned Men nor very Difficult Questions or Subjects, among the Ignorant or things hard to be believed, Stuff not your Discourse with Sentences amongst your Betters nor Equals.

62nd

Speak not of doleful Things in a Time of Mirth or at the Table; Speak not of Melancholy Things as Death and Wounds, and if others Mention them Change if you can the Discourse tell not your Dreams, but to your intimate Friend.

63rd

A Man ought not to value himself of his Achievements, or rare Qualities of wit; much less of his riches Virtue or Kindred. (A person should not overly value their own accomplishments.)

64th

Break not a Jest where none take pleasure in mirth Laugh not aloud, nor at all without Occasion, deride no mans Misfortune, though there Seem to be Some cause.

65th

Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest Scoff at none although they give Occasion.

66th

Be not froward but friendly and Courteous; the first to Salute hear and answer & be not Pensive when it’s a time to Converse.

67th

Detract not from others neither be excessive in Commanding. (Do not detract from others nor be overbearing in giving orders.)

68th

Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice without being Asked & when desired do it briefly. (Do not go where you are not wanted. Do not give unasked-for advice.)

69th

If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrained; and be not obstinate in your own Opinion, in Things indifferent be of the Major Side. (If two people disagree, do not take one side or the other. Be flexible in your own opinions and when you don’t care, take the majority opinion.)

70th

Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belongs to Parents Masters and Superiors. (Do not correct others when it is not your place to do so)

71st

Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of Others and ask not how they came. What you may Speak in Secret to your Friend deliver not before others.

72nd

Speak not in an unknown Tongue in Company but in your own Language and that as those of Quality do and not as the Vulgar; Sublime matters treat Seriously.

When Another Speaks be attentive your Self and disturb not the Audience if any hesitate in his Words help him not nor Prompt him without desired, Interrupt him not, nor Answer him till his Speech be ended.

75th

In the midst of Discourse ask not of what one treateth but if you Perceive any Stop because of your coming you may well intreat him gently to Proceed: If a Person of Quality comes in while your Conversing it’s handsome to Repeat what was said before.

76th

While you are talking, Point not with your Finger at him of Whom you Discourse nor Approach too near him to whom you talk especially to his face.

77th

Treat with men at fit Times about Business & Whisper not in the Company of Others.

78th

Make no Comparisons and if any of the Company be Commended for any brave act of Virtue, commend not another for the Same. (Don’t compare yourselves amongst yourselves.)

79th

Be not apt to relate News if you know not the truth thereof. In Discoursing of things you Have heard Name not your Author always A Secret Discover not. (Do not be quick to talk about something when you don’t have all the facts.)

80th

Be not Tedious in Discourse or in reading unless you find the Company pleased therewith.

81st

Be not Curious to Know the Affairs of Others neither approach those that Speak in Private. (Do not be curious about the affairs of others.)

82nd

Undertake not what you cannot Perform but be Careful to keep your Promise. (Do not start what you cannot finish. Keep your promises.)

83rd

When you deliver a matter do it without Passion & with Discretion, however mean the Person be you do it too.

84th

When your Superiors talk to any Body hearken not neither Speak nor Laugh.

85th

In Company of these of Higher Quality than yourself Speak not til you are asked a Question then Stand upright put of your Hat & Answer in few words.

86th

In Disputes, be not So Desirous to Overcome as not to give Liberty to each one to deliver his Opinion and Submit to the Judgment of the Major Part especially if they are Judges of the Dispute.

87th

Let thy carriage be such as becomes a Man Grave Settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not at every turn what others Say.

88th

Be not tedious in Discourse, make not many Digressions, nor repeat often the Same manner of Discourse.

89th

Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust. (Do not speak badly of those who are not present.)

90th

Being Set at meat Scratch not neither Spit Cough or blow your Nose except there’s a Necessity for it.

91st

Make no Show of taking great Delight in your Victuals, Feed not with Greediness; cut your Bread with a Knife, lean not on the Table neither find fault with what you Eat.

92nd

Take no Salt or cut Bread with your Knife Greasy.

93rd

Entertaining any one at the table, it is decent to present him with meat; Undertake not to help others undesired by the Master.

94th

If you Soak bread in the Sauce let it be no more than what you put in your Mouth at a time and blow not your broth at Table but Stay till Cools of it Self.

95th

Put not your meat to your Mouth with your Knife in your hand neither Spit forth the Stones of any fruit Pie upon a Dish nor Cast anything under the table.

96th

It’s unbecoming to Stoop much to ones Meat Keep your Fingers clean & when foul wipe them on a Corner of your Table Napkin.

97th

Put not another bit into your mouth till the former be swallowed. Let not your morsels be too big for the jowls. (Don’t take so big a bite that you must chew with your mouth open.)

98th

Drink not nor talk with your mouth full; neither gaze about you while you are drinking.

99th

Drink not too leisurely nor yet too hastily. Before and after drinking, wipe your lips; breath not then or ever with too great a noise, for its uncivil.

100th

Cleanse not your teeth with the table cloth napkin, fork, or knife; but if others do it, let it be done without a peep to them.

101st

Rinse not your mouth in the presence of others.

102nd

It is out of use to call upon the company often to eat; nor need you drink to others every time you drink.

103rd

In the company of your betters, be not longer in eating than they are; lay not your arm but only your hand upon the table.

104th

It belongs to the chiefest in company to unfold his napkin and fall to meat first, but he ought then to begin in time & to dispatch with dexterity that the slowest may have time allowed him.

105th

Be not angry at the table whatever happens & if you have reason to be so, show it not; put on a cheerful countenance especially if there be strangers, for good humor makes one dish of meat a feast.

106th

Set not yourself at the upper of the table; but if it be your due or that the master of the house will have it so, contend not, least you should trouble the company.

107th

If others talk at the table, be attentive but talk not with meat in your mouth. (Show interest in others conversation, but don’t talk with your mouth full.)

108th

When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be seriously & with reverence. Honor & obey your natural parents although they be poor.

109th

Let your recreations be manful not sinful.

110th

Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience. (Don’t allow yourself to become jaded, cynical or calloused.)

It amazes me how some things never go out of style! Washington’s rules included.

I am participating in a swap on swap-bot entitled “Just Stuff.” You have 2 partners and a list of possibilities to send them. You send them 4 items based on the likes they indicate in their profiles. One of my recipients likes quilting and tea. So I made her this pinchshion using felted wool from thrifted sweaters and a vintage thrifted teacup. It is a quaint way to be green. I now have to figure out 4 other items to send.

For my second partner, she indicated she liked to collect Nun figurines (she is not Catholic, but thinks they look serene). I thought she might enjoy these notecards that I made. All of the images I found using Google image search, printed on ivory paper. I crumbled and smoothed out the paper prior to printing on it. I really like the effect.

Today at the Goodwill I found a Coach purse that I will take to Kim’s to consign. Got it for $6!!!!!!!!! I was psyched and it is REAL!

And lastly, my very crafty swap buddy Kirsten has entered a challenge on Monogram Momma’s blog. In my humble and totally objective opinion she should win. And to give you a little hint she is number 3! It is a bit hard to navigate through the entries, but check them out and if you are so inclined leave a comment and tell them that She (#3) is the best. Oh…did I mention she is #3? Kirsten is #3!

Life has blessed me with a big lemon lately and I am trying to be positive about it. On the 16th I was downsized from my job. I had been there for a whopping 4 months and 12 days. I was understandably stunned, but am determined to turn this around!

As is always my plan, I am throwing some humor at the situation. Here are some lemony fresh quotations:

When life hands you a lemon, say, “oh yeah, I like lemons. What else ya got?” -Henry Rollins

In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups flour and confectioners’ sugar. Blend in the melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden. In a large bowl, beat eggs until light. Combine the sugar, baking powder and 1/4 cup of flour so there will be no flour lumps. Stir the sugar mixture into the eggs. Finally, stir in the lemon juice. Pour over the prepared crust and return to the oven.

Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until bars are set. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Here is my latest creation that I promised you a picture of yesterday, the cup cozies. I was inspired on a trip to my local WAWA when I was getting the cardboard one. I thought how nice would it be to have a custom made and sassy one?

I took an extra for the template, rinsed out my cup and saved it to check the size and after one error, here they are. I closed them with a sewn on button so they would have some more give if needed. There are 10 here and I finished 10 more this evening. Tomorrow they are off to Torman.

Here are the gift tags I made with the tutorial from the Purl Bee I mentioned yesterday. They are super easy to make. Instead of pinning the fabric and thus piercing the cardstock, I placed a bit of glue stick in the center to hold the fabric while I sewed. I don’t know if I mentioned this yesterday, but space your stitches farther apart if you use the straight stitch. I sewed the first one with the straight stitch on a 2 and the circle about dropped out of the card. Let me know what you think.

Today, I went to the sewing machine repair store and got a new bobbin case. He also gave me a used one. Evidently, it was my bobbin case that was giving me all the issues. He said that the screw was likely stripped on it. Mystery solved and I am back in business again!

Quote O’ The Month

"What this world needs
is a new kind of army
- the army of the kind."
~Cleveland Amory